Entire northern plains have been reeling under cold sting on account of low grade temperature. Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh have barely managed to stay in low teens, for nearly one week. Freeze has descended over most parts, recording season’s lowest day temperatures, 5°C to 8°C below the normal range. Light rainfall has been recorded yesterday for cities including Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, Karnal, Hisar, Delhi, Meerut and Bareilly registered light rainfall between 1mm and 5mm. Persistent clouding did raise the day temperatures, albeit marginally. Night temperatures also lifted seize, though narrowly abating cold wave conditions across the region.
An active western disturbance is arriving tomorrow, assisted by induced cyclonic circulation. This well marked circulation will stream in from across the border to West Rajasthan and adjoining region. Also, this feature, along with its parent system, will drift slowly eastward. The rainfall belt will be limited to start with, covering North Rajasthan, Delhi and some parts of Haryana tomorrow. Later, it will spread and intensify, galloping across entire Punjab, Haryana, North & East Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Peak activity is expected on 22nd and 23rdJan, and start diminishing on 24thJan2022. Subsequently it is likely to wear out from 25thJan onward, exiting completely from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi on the Republic Day, 26thJan2022.
With persistent clouds and intermittent rain, possibly hailstorm at isolated places, the day temperature are expected to dive and stay between 12-14°C at many places. Likely advection of cold air over the region may freeze few locations, barely managing double digit maximum temperatures. Inclement weather conditions, with severe intensity are expected over Majha and Doaba region of Punjab, along with foothill pockets of Haryana and Chandigarh.
Northwest India has already recorded large excess rains in January. The respective figures of excess rainfall are: Punjab-865%, Haryana- 723%, Delhi(UT)- 745% and Chandigarh(UT)-915%. The upcoming wet spell will raise the bar further to breach and reach record breaking levels of recent past. Expected clearance in the wake of the system, with effect from 26thJan, may sweep dense fog and cold blast and last till end of the month.